Maine West juniors invaded Springfield, Illinois! On Friday, May 2, about 300 U. S. history students from Maine West went on a field trip to Springfield, Illinois, the state capital.

The juniors departed on eight buses about 6:30 Friday morning. After four hours of traveling, they arrived at New Salem.

New Salem is a reconstructed village of the 1800's. Lincoln lived in New Salem, and the students were able to see the cabin he lived in and some of the tools he worked with.

The juniors ate lunch at New Salem and then divided into three separate groups. Each group visited Lincoln's tomb at Oakridge Cemetery, the Capitol Building, the Illinois State Museum, Lincoln's home in Springfield, and the Lincoln Center.

Because the state legislature does not meet on Fridays, the juniors were not able to see the congressmen.

To end the day, the students had a smorgasbord dinner at the Heritage House in Springfield.

The eight faculty members who also went on the field trip were Mr. Bruce Erickson, Mrs. Judith Garamella, Mrs. Mary Hartmann, Miss Mary Ingram, Mr. James Jennings, Mr. Harvey Kelber, Mr. Kenneth Lindquist, and Mr. Randall Rayborn.

Mrs. Garamella, who organized the trip, commented, "The students felt that the day was both fun and educational."